5 Photogenic Buildings and Townscapes in Toyama | Recommended Instagrammable Retro Architecture and Castles

Toyama Prefecture is not just about the majestic nature of the Tateyama mountain range. It is a treasure trove dotted with "photogenic spots" that make you want to turn your camera toward them, from historic castles and Western-style mansions to nostalgic townscapes. This time, we carefully select and introduce five Toyama buildings and townscapes that will gather "likes" on Instagram without you even thinking.

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01 | Toyama Castle (Toyama Municipal Folk Museum)

Toyama Castle is beautiful, with the contrast woven from the white keep and the water surface of the moat. In spring, the collaboration with the cherry blossoms is spectacular, and the combination of pink and white is just like a painting. If you aim for the "upside-down castle" mirrored on the moat's surface, the windless hours of the morning are best. Setting up low, right at the water's surface from a low angle, finishes into a fantastical shot.

Access: about a 10-minute walk from JR Toyama Station

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02 | Iwase Kaisen-donya Merchant Street

The Iwase district flourished through the trade of the Kitamae-bune ships in the Edo to Meiji eras. The stone-paved alleys where weighty wooden townhouses line up are full of a time-travel feel. The moment when the orange light at dusk hits the wooden lattice windows is a breathtaking beauty. Shooting in a vertical composition toward the back of the alley lets you take a photogenic photo with depth.

Access: about a 10-minute walk from Toyama Chiho Railway's Higashi-Iwase Station

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03 | Former Toyama Prefectural Government Building (Toyama City Hall Observation Tower Area)

The former Toyama Prefectural Government Building, built in the Taisho era in the Renaissance style, is charming retro architecture with cream-colored outer walls and a red roof. A head-on, drawn-in shot capturing the whole against a blue-sky background is the standard. In autumn, the surrounding ginkgo trees are dyed golden, raising the European-style atmosphere even more.

Access: about a 15-minute walk from JR Toyama Station

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04 | Zuiryuji Temple (Takaoka City)

The family temple of the Kaga clan, designated a national treasure. The monotone beauty of white walls and black roof tiles, and the symmetrically arranged temple layout, radiate an overwhelming presence. Autumn to winter, when the morning mist hangs low, is especially mystical. By treating the temple gate as a picture frame and aiming for the Buddha hall in the back with a "framing composition," you can express a dignified Japanese beauty.

Access: about a 10-minute walk from JR Takaoka Station

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05 | Kanayamachi (Takaoka City)

A town of casting metalworkers with over 400 years of history. The sight of senbon-goshi (thousand-slat) townhouses lined up along stone-paved lanes is truly a "living Important Cultural Property." On cloudy days, shadows are less likely to appear, so you can capture even the fine details of the lattices delicately; this is recommended. Resting your hand on the lattice to take a portrait is also popular, and a stylish outfit looks great within the retro world.

Access: about a 5-minute walk from the Manyosen's Sakashitamachi stop

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Toyama's buildings and townscapes are somehow nostalgic, yet fresh. Each time you carefully frame them one by one, you become aware of the depth of this town. By all means take your camera and head out to search for your very own "photogenic" moment.

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